New York Attorney General Letitia James is urging voters to request and return mail ballots early ahead of the November 3, 2026, general election. In an official announcement on October 19, James outlined key deadlines and safeguards designed to protect voters’ ballots.
October 24 Is the Deadline to Request a Mail Ballot
Registered New York voters can request a mail ballot without providing a reason. James reminded voters that Saturday, October 24, is the deadline to request one online or by mail.
Voters who miss that deadline can still apply in person at their county Board of Elections through November 2. Early voting runs from October 24 through November 1.
How New York Protects Mail Ballots
Election workers from both major parties review ballot envelopes and compare voters’ signatures with their registration records. Officials also update voter records to prevent people from voting twice.
If an envelope has a correctable problem, such as a missing signature, election officials must notify the voter and provide an opportunity to fix it. Voters can also track their ballot online through their Board of Elections.
When Must Mail Ballots Be Returned?
Mail ballots must be postmarked by Election Day, November 3, and received by the county Board of Elections by November 10 to count.
James warns that ballots placed in mailboxes may not receive a postmark until the following day or later. Voters should mail ballots early or request a free hand-stamped postmark at a post office counter.
Alternatively, voters can return completed ballots at an early voting site, an Election Day polling site in their county, or their county Board of Elections. In-person drop-off is available until 9 p.m. on Election Day.
Court Ruling Protects New York’s Mail Voting Rules
James and a coalition of states challenged a federal rule that could have restricted delivery of certain mail ballots. A court blocked the rule, and the U.S. Supreme Court left that order in place.
The ruling preserves New York’s existing deadline, allowing ballots postmarked by Election Day to count if they arrive within seven days. James says voters can continue using the state’s established mail voting process.
What NYC Candidates Should Know About Voting Access
Candidates running for office in NYC should understand voting deadlines and communicate accurate information to residents. Clear guidance about ballot applications, return options, and tracking can help voters participate without missing important deadlines.
Candidates and campaign teams should rely on official election sources when sharing voting information. Voters who encounter problems can contact the Attorney General’s Election Protection Hotline at 866-390-2992, available from October 24 through November 4.
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The deadline to request a mail ballot online or by mail is October 24, 2026. In-person applications at county Boards of Elections are accepted through November 2.
It must be postmarked by November 3 and received by the county Board of Elections by November 10, 2026.
